As parents, we hear a lot about the importance and pressure of Year 12 including exams, pathways, graduation, university, work and of course, what comes next.
But what does it actually feel like to be the student approaching the end of it?
For this P&F article, we handed the conversation over to some of our Year 12s. We asked them to look back at the Year 7 student who first walked through the gates, think about the six years in between, and tell us what they will remember when they leave.
Their pathways and plans are different, but their reflections have a lot in common.
“I have grown in confidence…”
Jacob is also proud of “how far I have gone outside my comfort zone”, while another Year 12 student reflected on becoming “more confident, responsible and willing to take on leadership opportunities.”
It seems stepping outside your comfort zone might just be one of the unofficial subjects of high school!
“I think what I'll miss most…”
Layla told us:
Year 12 has gone by really quickly, and it still doesn't feel like I'm actually graduating.”
Her Year 12 Retreat was a highlight, but what she will miss is much more everyday:
“I think what I'll miss most about La Salle is seeing the people I've grown up with every day, especially those I used to see for six hours a day.
Kate feels it too:
“Recently, during some of my ‘lasts’ I've taken a step back to be in the moment with my fellow Year 12s.”
She says she will miss “the conversations in the hallways and after class with teachers”, connections that have provided comfort during the stress of Year 12.
And another student? They put it simply:
“Friends and teachers.” Sometimes two words say enough!
The people who helped along the way
Jacob wrote about his appreciation of Careers Counsellor Ms Sewell:
“She has helped guide me through uncertainties around my pathway, which has made a huge difference.”
Kate spoke about the one-on-one support she has received and acknowledged teachers, Careers staff, Leaders of Wellbeing and even the maintenance staff who make so many College activities possible.
“There hasn't been an interaction with a staff member that hasn't been productive… we have supported each other, taken an interest in each other's passions.”
And then came the bit mums everywhere may want printed and framed:
“Even when I didn’t appreciate it at the time, I’m grateful for everything she has done to help me get to where I am today.”
It seems fellow parent, there is hope for us yet!
So, parents… they have some advice for us…
We couldn’t ask Year 12 students to reflect on six years of high school without asking the question parents really want answered:
What would you like parents of younger students to know?
Layla’s advice was, “Check in on your child occasionally, but don’t ask them how their day was the second they walk through the door!”
Noted!
“Sometimes teenagers just need a little time to themselves. Be there when they need you, support them, and remember that even if they don’t always show it, they do appreciate it.”
Our anonymous student gave similar advice: “Encourage your children to follow their goals. Sometimes they need a push, but they also need someone who believes in them.”
And Kate: “Keep doing what you’re doing!”
Well this is good!
“If everything you do is out of love and care, no matter how much we push back or yell at you, if it’s out of love, it’s right. At the end of the day, we love you and we appreciate what you do, the sacrifices and the stress, even if we are ignoring you.”
Before adding one final piece of wisdom: “And if it’s in the budget, an occasional take-out dinner might make it a bit more tolerable.”
Possibly the most practical advice to come out of this entire exercise.
And now, what’s next?
There’s excitement. There are nerves. There is relief. And for Jacob, the word that describes finishing Year 12 is simply: “Surreal.”
For our anonymous student it’s: “Excited!”
Layla is also “excited about the future, but also nervous about what it might hold”. She’s goes on to explain,
“Meeting new people and starting a new chapter is scary, but it’s also something I’m looking forward to. I’m excited to experience new things, make new friends and become more independent.”
Kate admits that underneath all the “go, go, go” of finishing Year 12, the emotions occasionally sneak through: “Sometimes a teacher will do something unnecessarily nice, or an interaction makes me pause, and a hint of sadness comes over me.”
Perhaps that is Year 12 in a sentence.
Excited to leave. A little nervous about what’s next. And suddenly noticing all the ordinary things you’re going to miss
With everything they have experienced and learned in the last 6 years, if they could go back in time, what would they tell their Year 7 self?
One says:
“Don’t stress too much about what other people think. Enjoy the experience, make good memories and take every opportunity you get.”
Kate says: “Don’t be afraid to be you… Be open to new experiences… you will get something out of it.”
And Layla: “Don’t stress so much and don’t worry about having everything figured out. Enjoy the little moments, make the most of your time with your friends, and don’t be afraid to try new things.”
“High school goes by a lot faster than you think, so just enjoy the journey.”
We don’t think we could say it any better. So, to all our Year 12s:
Enjoy the lasts, be proud of how far you’ve come, and make the most of all that the future presents!
La Salle College P&F
